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Keppinger sidelined by irritation in shoulder

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By Scott Merkin
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MLB.com |

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The White Sox scratched Jeff Keppinger from Sunday's starting lineup during split-squad action in Peoria due to slight right shoulder irritation. Keppinger, whose offseason throwing program was delayed when he broke his right fibula in a fall at home, has been bothered by the sore shoulder through the early stages of Spring Training.

But three weeks still remain before the start of the regular season, so manager Robin Ventura isn't worried about this minor setback.

"Just feeling sore. It's just one of those, monitoring it," Ventura said. "He could have played but we're going to keep him out and see how it looks tomorrow.

Keppinger could serve as designated hitter Monday against the Rockies but won't play in the field or throw until Wednesday. His absence gives more playing time to Conor Gillaspie, who had two hits in Sunday's loss to the Reds in Glendale, and Brent Morel, who homered among his two hits in Peoria.

"That's something that's good when that stuff happens," Venutra said. "We put somebody else in there and move them around and we get to see these younger kids. You get some information for later on down the road.

"We're not concerned about [Keppinger's] playing time down here. Today you just get that chance because of the split squad, you can get everyone in there and play."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.